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Edinburgh Live
Edinburgh Live
National
Gary Armstrong

Edinburgh's 'most booked luxury hotel' is former jail with pod capsules in mixed dorms

When it comes to resting your weary head in Edinburgh, we're a city that has overnight stay options for everyone, no matter what your budget is.

In recent weeks we've reported on highly-rated accommodation you can stay in for just £10, while at the other end of the scale, there's Edinburgh's top-rated hotel - a luxury liner with prices starting at £300 a night.

Of course, demand for the best hotels soars during festival season - you either have to stump up the cash or you'll find yourself pushed further and further from the heart of action.

READ MORE: Highly-rated Edinburgh accommodation you can stay in for £10 - but with a catch

But, if you're able to shell out a little more, you'll be tempted by one of Edinburgh's many high-end options.

One of the world's most popular hotel websites, booking.com, curates a list of the most booked luxury hotels each month.

And this May, at number one spot is a pod hotel which sees guests sleep in mixed dorms.

The accommodation is in a former jail and courthouse (booking.com / codehostels)

Found in the heart of the Old Town at Parliament Square, CoDE Pod – The CoURT, is described as a luxury four-star hostel, which offers guests a glimpse into Edinburgh's past, located within a former jail and courthouse.

Visitors have the option to stay in an 8, 10, 12 or 14-bed mixed dormitory, or a 10-bed female only dorm - or, for a higher price, private double rooms are available too.

The pod beds are similar to those made popular in Japan, with a sliding curtain in place at the foot of the bed to ensure privacy from fellow guests.

Talking about the property, owners say: "A former courthouse and jail has transformed into a CoDE Pod Hostels – THE CoURT.

"The Victorian A-listed building is located in the heart of Edinburgh Old Town and surrounded by the most tourist attractions.

The hostel has been praised for its excellent waffle breakfast (booking.com / codehostels)

"The oldest part of the court buildings was completed in 1693. The building at 1A Parliament Square was originally designed as the Edinburgh police chambers and contained both holding cells and courtroom facilities including the former district court."

When searching on booking.com, we found prices starting at £19 per night, with a 'very good' breakfast an optional extra for £5.

And according to visitors, a stay at CoDE Pod is very much worth the price - from 3,721 reviews, the hostel as a 'superb' 9.1 rating.

One person said: "It was very private and love that they had the option of an all girls dormitory.

"The pods were very comfortable and the bathrooms were extremely clean. The location was smack in the middle of every main attraction Edinburgh has to offer which made my travel very smooth and immersive."

Another guest added: "Roomy sleeping pod provide much privacy in shared hostel room. Clean sheets. Strong, hot shower. Located in the middle of royal mile. Clean shared toilet. Unlimited sandwich, waffle and porridge breakfast for just £5."

Meanwhile, for those with privacy concerns, this comment provides for pleasant reading: "Amazing pod that has socket for charging, place to put our stuff, and hand towel.

"Since it's a pod, odour from smelly tourists does not spread as much throughout the room."

And of course, sleeping in a small pod overnight might not be for everyone, but at least one visitor was pleasantly surprised. They said: "At first, the idea of sleeping in a pod was repulsive to me, but it has been an enjoyable surprise.

"The staff is great, the hostel is clean, the showers are amazing and the location is right in the centre of Old Town!"

There's no doubt, this place certainly provides alternative accommodation for those looking for something different - and a bit of luxury on a budget too!

To find out more about THE CoURT Hostel, you can visit the website here.

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